USA Fencing stands on the brink of collapse as two board members file a lawsuit exposing alleged deception at a Congressional hearing on transgender athletes, threatening the organization’s Olympic governance status and revealing a web of internal corruption that could change the sport forever.
Key Takeaways
- USA Fencing board members Andrey Geva and Abdel Salem are suing to remove chair Damien Lehfeldt for allegedly making false statements at a Congressional hearing on transgender athletes
- The lawsuit claims Lehfeldt’s testimony has jeopardized USA Fencing’s status as a national governing body and alienated the fencing community
- Lehfeldt allegedly admitted to falsifying emails and making inappropriate social media posts prior to the hearing
- The May 7 hearing was prompted by female fencer Stephanie Turner’s protest against competing against a transgender opponent
- The lawsuit reveals alleged threats against board members who sought to speak out about transgender athletes’ advantages in women’s competitions
Lawsuit Exposes Internal Chaos at USA Fencing
The governing body of American fencing faces an unprecedented crisis as two board members take legal action against their colleagues. Andrey Geva, former U.S. National Coach, and Abdel Salem, a former Olympic fencer and coach, have filed a lawsuit against six fellow board members, most notably targeting chair Damien Lehfeldt. The plaintiffs allege Lehfeldt made false statements during a May 7 Congressional hearing investigating transgender athletes in women’s sports, specifically examining a protest by female fencer Stephanie Turner against competing with a transgender opponent.
“‘Transgender women’s fencers have significant advantages in women’s competitions,’ he writes,” Marjorie Taylor-Greene
The lawsuit seeks Lehfeldt’s removal as chair, claiming his alleged deception has alienated the fencing community and potentially endangered Team USA’s Olympic qualification process. According to court documents, Geva faced threats intended to prevent him from testifying at the hearing. Despite these intimidation tactics, he submitted a letter to Senator Ted Cruz outlining the biological advantages transgender athletes maintain in women’s fencing competitions, directly contradicting Lehfeldt’s public position.
Falsified Documents and Leadership Failures
Court filings reveal a disturbing pattern of misconduct within USA Fencing’s leadership. Lehfeldt allegedly admitted to falsifying an email and making inappropriate social media posts before the Congressional hearing. When questioned about transgender athletes competing in women’s divisions during the hearing, Lehfeldt stated, “As long as the competitor has met all the hormonal requirements and complies with the policy, I would be okay with it.” This position has created significant controversy within the fencing community, particularly among female athletes concerned about fairness in competition.
“It was a poor attempt at humor,” stated Lehfeldt
The lawsuit further alleges that the board’s actions have systematically favored politically progressive regions while punishing athletes who speak out. Following Turner’s protest, the board reportedly amended policies regarding competition host sites and even made changes to national anthem procedures. These modifications appear designed to advance ideological preferences rather than supporting athletic excellence and fair competition. The plaintiffs argue these decisions demonstrate a pattern of governance that undermines the organization’s mission.
Calls for Leadership Change Mount
Stephanie Turner, the athlete whose protest sparked the Congressional hearing, has publicly called for leadership changes within USA Fencing. Her stance has gained support from numerous fencers concerned about competitive integrity. The controversy has split the fencing community, with many athletes and coaches privately expressing concern about speaking publicly for fear of repercussions. This climate of intimidation is specifically addressed in the lawsuit, which details alleged threats against board members who sought to present alternative viewpoints.
USA Fencing has acknowledged the lawsuit but offers little substantive response beyond stating it will defend itself in court. The organization’s leadership crisis comes at a particularly damaging time, with Olympic qualification and international competitions ongoing. The plaintiffs argue that Lehfeldt’s actions have jeopardized USA Fencing’s status as a national governing body, which could have catastrophic consequences for American fencing at all levels of competition. As this legal battle unfolds, the future governance of American fencing hangs in the balance.
